A few links, first of all.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4636190.stm <-- "Bolivia's new leader vows change"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/3203752.stm <-- a profile of Evo Morales

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4638030.stm <-- excerpts from his inaugural speech

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10952596/ <-- Also an article from MSNBC about the coca leaf issue (Coca, of course, is used to make cocaine )


Well...I'd like to see what the orgers have to say about this. Personally, I think it's great that the Bolivians, and Latin Americans in general, finally have one of the "first peoples" amongst their leaders. I'm interested to see how his term will come out. He seems to be pretty outspoken against the US, however, about their policy of eradication of the Coca leaf. It is originally not a drug, we must remember, and to be honest, what the Americans are doing in there, in Bolivia, is destroying a way of life that many farmers use to make a living, and thus are pushing Bolivia into a worse slump.

Morales has also said that foreign customers will have to pay more for Bolivian gas, since the 2003 gas protests.

The people seem to be pretty stoked about having an indigenous president, and one who was also a coca grower like they are now.

I'm waiting to see how this plays out for the world economies, and I'd like to see comments from the following --

Americans, both sides. What are the pros and cons to his presidency?

Latin Americans. What does this mean for the future of Latin America's "indigenas"?

Europeans. Just overall comments.

Any other party with comments, feel free to give your input.

Oh my, I'm so civilised when it comes to debating